Inequitable Access to Principal Preparation: A Statewide Review of Collective Bargaining Agreements

Research shows that principal leadership plays a significant role in promoting stability, a positive climate, and meaningful outcomes for teachers and students. Access to high quality, practical, principal preparation is critically important. One way to minimize the financial burden of graduate school is by accessing reimbursement benefits negotiated through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). Since these agreements are negotiated locally, the benefits may vary significantly, potentially creating inequitable access to meaningful professional development. We pose the following research questions: How do school district CBAs address tuition reimbursement throughout Pennsylvania? How are tuition reimbursement amounts distributed demographically and geographically?